Control for pressing machines



June 9, 193$. J M DEWEY 2,043,467

CQNTROL FOR PRESSING MACHINES Filed Sept. 25, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 FIG.

INVENTOR I JAMES M. DEWEY I ATTORNEY-5 June 9, 1936. J DEWEY 2,043,467

CONTROL FOR PRESSING MACHINES Filed Sept. 23, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Patented June 9, 1936 V UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE CONTROL FOR PRESSING MACHINES Application September 23, 1935, Serial No. 41,702

14 Claims.

This invention relates to a pressing machine and more particularly to a novel control mechanism therefor.

My invention is applicable to pressing machines comprising a pair of coacting pressing members which are relatively movable into pressing engagement in a two step operation, the first step placing the members adjacent each other and the second step causing final pressing engagement between them. In such a pressing machine having a fluid motor for causing each step I provide control means for storing motive fluid in the second step motor and for utilizing the stored fluid for causing operation of the first step motor.

.Another feature of my invention is the provision in a pressing machine of the type described having two-step operation and a fluid motor for causing each step of the operation thereof, conduit means establishing communication between said motors, and Valve means normally establishing communication between a source of motive fluid and the second step motor and operable to block the supply from the source and to establish communication between the motors whereby motive fluid flows from the second step motor into the first step motor to actuate the same. The control means is so arranged that when released it again establishes fluid supply to the second step motor to complete the closing of the press.

My invention also provides press control mechanism applied to a pressing machine in which the pressing head is moved from open position to a point adjacent the bed and the bed is then moved vertically upward into engagement withthe head. Motors are supplied for moving the head and bed respectively, with control means normally storing motive fluid in the bed moving motor and arranged when actuated to conduct this stored fluid to the head moving motor, at the same time evacuating the bed moving motor. Control means is then arranged to trap fluid in the head moving motor while the bed moving motor is again actuated to complete the closing of the press.

Other novel features of my invention will be apparent from the accompanying specification taken together with the drawings and the essen tial features will be pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings Fig. l is an end elevation partly in section of a pressing machine embodying my invention with the control mechanism therefor shown diagrammatically; while Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views of the control mechanism of Fig. 1 showing the parts in two different actuated positions.

My control mechanism is applicable to any pressing machine having a pair of coacting platens but is particularly applicable to pressing machines used in laundry Work and in garment pressing and provides a novel control of a fluid actuated pressing machine of this charcter. The machine shown comprises a frame I0 upon which is pivotally mounted a head lever II which carries at its forward end a pressing head l2. Between the rear end of the head lever and the frame I provide a pair of toggle links 13 and I4 which are normally biased toward broken position by a suitable spring l5 and which are movable into and beyond straightened position by a cylinder and piston motor l6 Whose piston rod is connected with the toggle links. The toggle links are limited in their rearward movement by the abutments l3a and Ma and when these toggles have been moved into and beyond straightened position the pressing head is in position adjacent the bed and the toggle links form a strut between the rear end of the head lever and the frame so that the head will then resist upward pressure against it.

A pressing bed I! is supported in the frame for vertical movement relative thereto being guided in such movement by a pin l'la which enters a portion of the frame. This movement of the bed is provided by a cylinder and piston motor l8 whose piston rod engages the pressing bed.

A source of motive fluid supply is indicated at l9 and fluid is conducted through casing 20 and conduit 2! to motor I8. Motive fluid may also be conducted from casing 2!] through conduits 22 and 23 to motor I 6. Casing 20 houses a normally closed valve 20a adapted when opened to establish communication between conduits 2| and 22. The casing also houses a normally open valve 20b for establishing communication between conduits l9 and 2|. Means is provided for simultaneously closing valve 20b and for opening valve 20a, the arrangement shown comprising mounting the two valves on a common stem 290 which is actuated by a manual 2012. Communicating with conduits 22 and 23 is a conduit 24 leading to a casing 25 which houses a normally open outlet valve 25a having a stem 251) which is actuated by a manual 250.

It will be understood that the pressure normally employed in a motor performing the function of motor I8 is of the nature of or pounds while the pressure necessary in a motor carrying out the function of motor I6 is of the nature of 10 or 15 pounds or less.

With the parts in the position of Fig. 1, motive fluid is supplied from conduit I 9 through the open bers.

valve Zllb and conduit 2| to motor 3 thus maintaining bed I! in its elevated position and maintaining motor I 8 full of stored fluid at high pressure. The operator then arranges the lay of the work upon the bed i! and actuates manuals 28d and 250. Preferably these two manuals are arranged before the operator and so spaced apart that they require a hand of the operator on each of them for their coincident operation. The actuated position of these manuals is shown in Fig. 2 wherein valve 25a is closed, valve 2&1) is closed and valve Ziia is open. Fluid then flows from motor 18 through conduit 2 l, valve Zila and conduits 22 and 23 to motor l6. Both manuals d and c must be held actuated to cause this movement as release of manual 20d cuts off the fluid supply by closing of valve 2011, while release of manual 25c opens the outlet valve 25a so that fluid is not effectively supplied to motor 5. However, if both manuals are held actuated as shown in Fig. 2, fluid flows from motor l8, as described, to motor it causing a power stroke of the latter which moves the head into position adjacent the bed and moves the toggle links into strut forming position against the action of spring I5. It will be understood that the capacities of motors l8 and 86 are so arranged that motor 18 supplies sufiicient fluid to cause this power stroke of motor l6 and that at the end of such power stroke motor I 8 is substantially evacuated due to the downward movement of bed I! and the parts acting on the piston in motor l8. These pressing bed members are usually very heavy and this action is suflicient to evacuate motor I8 into the cylinder of motor it. The pressing members are now in safe position, that is to say, the bed I! has moved downward slightly and the head 58 is in position closely adjacent the bed where the operator is not likely to place a hand between the pressing mem- Upon release of manual 28d, valve 20a closes thus trapping fluid in motor It so long as manual 250 is held. At the same time valve 2% opens again supplying fluid from conduit l9 through conduit 2| to ,motor l3 and raising the bed into engagement with the head. This action finally closes the press and holds the links [3 and E4 in strut-forming position against the tendency of spring E5 to open the press. Manual 25c may now be released thus evacuating motor I 6 and the press will remain closed. This is the position of the parts in Fig. 3. To open the press manual 20d is again actuated thus cutting oif communication from the source l9 while establishing communication between conduits 2!, 22, and 24 to evacuate motor I8 through the normally open valve 250:. Bed 11 then moves downward due to the weight of the parts, whereupon spring I5 is effective to break the toggle links and raise the head to open position. Manual 20d can be released almost immediately whereupon the valves resume their position in Fig. 1 and fluid is again stored in motor [8 for the next operation.

While the above is the preferred operation of the control mechanism, nevertheless it will also operate if after preliminary closing of the press by actuation of manuals 20d and 250 as described, both manuals are simultaneously released. While motor it will begin to evacuate through conduits 23 and 24 and valve 25a, yet the action of the entering fluid through valve 2013 and conduit 2! to motor i8 is suificiently rapid to cause the slight vertical elevation of bed I! necessary to engage the head before links l3 and i4 again move out of their strut-forming position.

What I claim is:

1. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, and control means for said motors including means for storing fluid under pressure in said second step causing motor when said pressing machine is open, said control means also including means for conducting said stored fluid to said first step causing motor to preliminarily close said press, and said control means being arranged to thereafter supply fluid to said second step motor to finally close said press.

2. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, and control means for said motors including conduit means communicating with a fluid supply source and with each of said motors, and valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish fluid supply to said second-step-causing motor while interrupting fluid supply to said first-step-causing motor and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said two motors while interrupting the supply from said source.

3. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, and control means for said motors including conduit means communicating with a fluid supply source and with each of said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish fluid supply to said second-stepcausing motor while interrupting fluid supply to said first-step-causing motor and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said two motors while interrupting the supply from said source, and a normally open outlet valve in conduit communication with said first-step-causing motor.

4. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, and control means for said motors including conduit means communicating with a fluid supply source and with each of said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish fluid supply to said second step-causing motor while interrupting fluid supply to said first-step-causing motor and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said two motors while interrupting the supply from said source, a normally open outlet valve in conduit communication with said first-step-causing motor, a control member for said outlet valve, a control member for said valve means, and said control members being spaced apart to require both hands of an operator for coincidental operation thereof.

5..In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a. fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member,

and operating means for said motors including means for normally storing motive fluid in said second motor and for utilizing said stored fluid for operation of said first motor.

6. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member, and operating means for said motors includin means for normally storing motive fluid in said second motor and for utilizing said stored fluid for operation of said first motor, said operating means being arranged to supply fluid to said second motor while trapping fluid in said first motor.

'7. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member, and operating means for said motors including conduit means communicating with a fluid supply source and with each of said motors, and valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish fluid supply to said second motor while interrupting fluid supply to said first motor and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication be tween said two motors while interrupting the supply from said source.

8. In a pressing machine, a pair of coasting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member, and operating means for said motors including conduit means communicating with a fluid supply source and with each of said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish fluid supply to said second motor while interrupting fluid supply to said first motor and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said two motors while interrupting the supply from said source, and a normally open outlet valve in conduit communication with said first motor.

9, In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, means biasing said one member toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with said one member and for holding said one member against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, and a normally open outlet valve in said conduit means.

10. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, means biasing said one member toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with said one member and for holding said one member against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, a normally open outlet valve in said conduit means, a control member for said outlet valve, a control member for said valve means, and said control members being spaced apart to require both hands of an operator for coincidental operation thereof.

11. In a pressing machine, coacting head and bed pressing members, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving said head from open position to position adjacent said bed, said mechanism when said head is adjacent said bed being adapted to resist pressure against said head, means biasing said head toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving said bed into engagement with said head and for holding said head against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, and a normally open outlet valve in said conduit means.

12. In a pressing machine, coacting head and bed pressing members, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving said head from open position to position adjacent said bed, said mechanism when said head is adjacent said bed being adapted to resist pressure against said head, means biasing said head toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving said bed into engagement with said head and for holding said head against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, Valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, a normally open outlet valve in said conduit means, a control member for said outlet valve, a control member for said valve means, and said control members being spaced apart to require both hands of an operator for coincidental operation thereof.

13. In a pressing machine, coacting head and bed pressing members, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving said head from open position to position adjacent said bed, said mechanism when said head is adjacent said bed being adapted to resist pressure against said head, means biasing said head toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving said bed into engagement with said head and for holding said head against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a valve casing having first and second conduit connections with a source of motive fluid and with said first motor respectively, said valve casing having a third conduit connection intermediate said two named connections and communicating with said second motor, a normally closed valve between said first andsecond conduits, a normally open valve between said first and third conduits, and a control member for actuating said valves to close said normally open valve and to open said normally closed valve.

14. In a pressing machine, coacting head and bed pressing members, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving said head from open position to position adjacent said bed, said mechanism when said head is adjacent said bed being adapted to resist pressure against said head, means biasing said head toward open position, a second fluid motor for moving said bed into engagement with said head and for holding said head against the action of said biasing means; and operating means for said motors including a valve casing having first and second conduit connections with a source of motive fluid and with said first motor respectively, said valve casing having a third conduit connection intermediate said two named connections and communicating with said second motor, a normally closed valve between said first and second conduits, a normally open valve between said first and third conduits, a control member for actuating said valves to close said normally open valve and to open said normally closed valve, a normally open outlet valve communicating with said second conduit, a control member for said valve, and said control members being spaced apart to require both hands of an operator for coincidental operation thereof.

JAMES M. DEWEY. 

